Authentication and information system for reusable surgical instruments

ABSTRACT

An authentication and information system for use in a surgical stapling device includes a handle assembly having a controller, the controller having at least one program and a memory, an adapter assembly, and a loading unit having a tool assembly mounted for articulation and a member for actuating articulation of the tool assembly, the loading unit having at least one chip assembly having a chip storing data indicating a position of the member when the tool assembly is in a fully articulated position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/009,456, filed Jun. 9, 2014, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments having a reusablehandle and removable and replaceable components, such as a disposable orreplaceable loading unit. The present disclosure also relates to anauthentication system for the components and/or handle assembly for usein a surgical stapling system.

Description of Related Art

Powered surgical instruments for use in endoscopic procedures are known.Typically, such instruments include a reusable handle assembly, and areplaceable and generally disposable component sometimes referred to assingle use loading unit or SULU. An adapter assembly connects theloading unit, which can include an end effector for interacting withtissue, to the handle assembly. In the case of a surgical stapler, theend effector can include a replaceable cartridge that is changed aftereach firing of the surgical stapler. To reduce costs and shortenprocedure times, the handle assemblies are generally configured for usewith a variety of loading units and/or assemblies of variousconfigurations for use on tissue having different properties, e.g.,thickness and density. For example, the different loading units may havestaples of different sizes and/or the staples may be arranged indifferent configurations. To ensure the handle assembly is programmed tooperate with the attached loading unit, some loading units are providedwith an integrated circuit, also known as a chip, that communicates withthe handle assembly to identify the configuration of the loading unit.This arrangement enables the configuration of the loading unit to beautomatically conveyed to the handle assembly upon attachment of theloading unit to the adapter assembly, thereby eliminating user error orincompatibility that may be experienced when switching between loadingunits with different configurations.

Surgical staplers are commonly used for stapling tissue within a bodycavity where the end effector is likely to come in contact with fluids,e.g., blood, bile, and/or irrigation solutions. If the interconnectionsbetween the chip and the handle assembly are compromised, the chip couldmalfunction or data communications between the loading unit and thehandle assembly could be disrupted, rendering the surgical staplerunstable or inoperable.

A stapling instrument configured to increase the reliability ofcommunications between the disposable loading unit and the handleassembly would be a welcome advance. Provision of an authenticationsystem for components in a surgical system is also desirable. Systemsfor enabling a variety of components to be used with surgical handleassemblies is another desirable aspect.

SUMMARY

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical system comprises ahandle assembly having a controller, the controller having at least oneprogram and a memory, an adapter assembly, and a loading unit having atool assembly mounted for articulation and a member for actuatingarticulation of the tool assembly, the loading unit having at least onechip assembly having a chip storing data indicating a position of themember when the tool assembly is in a fully articulated position.

The chip can have data indicating a type of loading unit, the memory ofthe controller having a current profile for the type of loading unit.The chip can store data indicating a length of the tool assembly and/ordata indicating whether or not the tool assembly articulates. Thecontroller can read the data and not drive an articulation link in theadapter assembly and/or loading unit if the data indicated that theloading unit does not articulate.

The controller can monitor current from a motor during operation of theloading unit.

The loading unit may include a removable and replaceable staplecartridge assembly. The removable and replaceable staple cartridgeassembly can have a chip assembly including a chip storing dataindicating whether or not the staple cartridge assembly has been fired.

The controller can monitor the position of the member and stores dataconcerning movement of the member in the memory. The number of times thetool assembly has been articulated can be saved in the memory. Thememory can have data indicating the position of the member when the toolassembly is in a fully articulated position.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, a surgical systemcomprises a handle assembly having a controller, the controller having amemory and at least one program, the handle assembly having at least onebutton, an adapter assembly, and a loading unit, the controllerassigning a function to the at least one button. The function can bearticulation, or clamping tissue, or be selected from the groupconsisting of clamping tissue, firing staples and cutting tissue, andcombinations thereof.

The function assigned can depend on a type of the loading unit. Theloading unit can be a circular stapling loading unit, a linear surgicalstapling loading unit, or other type of loading unit. The loading unitmay include a dynamic clamping member. The dynamic clamping member canperform at least one of clamp tissue, fires staples, and cut tissue.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical system comprisesa handle assembly having a controller, the controller having a memoryand at least one program an adapter assembly, and a loading unit, thememory of the controller storing a current profile associated with theloading unit. The controller can store information from sensors,encoders, or both. The controller can compare the current profile toinformation from the sensors, encoders, or both. The controller can reada type for the loading unit from a chip on the loading unit. Thecontroller can select a current profile from a plurality of currentprofiles stored in the controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detaileddescription when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling device for use witha chip assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 1showing the handle assembly, adapter assembly, and loading unit in aseparated configuration;

FIG. 3 is a view of a proximal end of a loading unit and a distal end ofan adapter assembly of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the proximal end of the loading unit andthe distal end of the adapter assembly shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is another enlarged view of the proximal end of the loading unitand the distal end of the adapter assembly shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, exploded view of the proximal end of the loadingunit shown in FIG. 3 with the loading unit and authentication boardseparated;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, partially-exploded view of the proximal end ofthe loading unit shown in FIG. 3 with the authentication board coverseparated from the loading unit;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the proximal end of the loading unit shownin FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an authentication board assemblyaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an authentication board contact;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged, exploded view of the distal end of the adapterassembly shown in FIG. 3 with the adapter assembly and adapter boardseparated;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the adapter board shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is another enlarged view of the adapter board shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is yet another enlarged view of the adapter board shown in FIG.11;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional, side view of the adapter assembly shown inFIG. 3 showing the adapter assembly separated from the loading unit;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the indicated area shown in FIG. 15showing the adapter board separated from the authentication board;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional, side view of the adapter assembly shown inFIG. 3 showing the adapter assembly engaged with the loading unit;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the indicated area shown in FIG. 17showing the adapter board engaged with the authentication board;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional, axial view of the adapter assembly shownin FIG. 3 showing the adapter assembly separated from the loading unit;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional, axial view of the adapter assembly shownin FIG. 3 showing the loading unit inserted into the adapter assembly;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional, axial view of the adapter assembly shownin FIG. 3 showing the loading unit engaged with the adapter assembly;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling device according tofurther embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a loading unit according to embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is the loading unit of FIG. 23 shown with parts separated;

FIG. 25 is a detailed perspective view of a board assembly;

FIG. 26 is a another detailed perspective view of the board assembly ofFIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a detailed perspective view of a chip assembly;

FIG. 28 is another detailed perspective view of the chip assembly ofFIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a detailed perspective view of a support plate in accordancewith embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the chip assembly and board assembly ofFIGS. 25-28;

FIG. 31 is another perspective view of the chip assembly and boardassembly of FIGS. 25-28;

FIG. 32 is a top perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 33 is a top perspective view of the staple cartridge assembly ofFIG. 32, with a shipping wedge;

FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of the shipping wedge of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a detailed perspective view of a lockout assembly inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the loading unit of FIG. 23 showing thestaple cartridge assembly;

FIG. 37 is a top view of the loading unit with the anvil and shippingwedge removed;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the proximal portion of a support plateof the staple cartridge assembly;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the proximal portion of a channel ofthe loading unit;

FIG. 40 is a cross sectional view of the loading unit;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a chip assembly of the loading unitwith parts separated;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the proximal portion of the loadingunit;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the chip assembly;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the proximal portion of the loadingunit;

FIG. 45 is another perspective view of the chip assembly;

FIG. 46 is a detailed perspective view of a lockout assembly inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 47 is another detailed perspective view of a lockout mechanism inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 48 is a cross sectional view through the drive beam;

FIG. 49 is a another detailed perspective view of the lockout mechanism;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view with parts separated showing a latch,sled, and mounting portion;

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the latch;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the loading unit with parts removedshowing the lockout mechanism;

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the lockout mechanism with partsseparated showing the drive beam;

FIG. 54 is a cross sectional view taken longitudinally through theloading unit;

FIG. 55 is a detailed view of FIG. 54 showing the latch and dynamicclamping member;

FIG. 56 is a side view of the drive beam, dynamic clamping member, andsled;

FIG. 57 is a side view of the drive beam, dynamic clamping member, andsled, with the drive beam and dynamic clamping member advanced;

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of a circular loading unit attached to ashaft;

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of a chip assembly;

FIG. 60 is a cross sectional perspective view of the interior of theloading unit of FIG. 58 with parts removed; and

FIG. 61 is a graphical representing of a current profile in accordancewith the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are describedhereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, it isto be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples ofthe disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-knownand/or repetitive functions and constructions are not described indetail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary orredundant detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as abasis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching oneskilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure invirtually any appropriately detailed structure. As is common in the art,the term “proximal” refers to that part or component closer to the useror operator, i.e. surgeon or clinician, while the term “distal” refersto that part or component further away from the user. In addition, asused herein in the description and in the claims, terms referencingorientation, e.g., “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”,and the like, are used with reference to the figures and features shownand described herein. It is to be understood that embodiments inaccordance with the present disclosure may be practiced in anyorientation without limitation. In this description, as well as in thedrawings, like-referenced numbers represent elements which may performthe same, similar, or equivalent functions. Embodiments of the presentlydisclosed chip assembly will now be described in detail with referenceto the drawings in which like reference numerals designate identical orcorresponding elements in each of the several views. The word“exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is notnecessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otherembodiments. The word “example” may be used interchangeably with theterm “exemplary.”

With reference initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a surgical staplinginstrument including an authentication system according to the presentdisclosure is shown generally as stapler 10. Stapler 10 includes ahandle assembly 12, an adapter assembly 14 extending distally fromhandle assembly 12, and a loading unit 16 selectively secured to adistal end of adapter assembly 14. A detailed description of handleassembly 12, adapter assembly 14, and loading unit 16 is provided incommonly-owned U.S. Patent Appl. Publ. No. 2012/0089131, the contents ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Handle assembly 12 includes a lower housing portion 17, an intermediatehousing portion 18 extending from and/or supported on lower housingportion 17, and an upper housing portion 19 extending from and/orsupported on intermediate housing portion 18. Intermediate housingportion 18 and upper housing portion 19 are separated into a distalhalf-section 20 a that is integrally formed with, and extends from, thelower housing portion 17, and a proximal half-section 20 b joined todistal half-section 20 a by any suitable manner of attachment, such aswithout limitation, ultrasonic welding and/or a plurality of fasteners.When joined, distal and proximal half-sections 20 a, 20 b form a handlehousing 21 defining a cavity therein which houses a circuit board thatincludes a controller 21 a, and a drive mechanism (not shown).

Lower housing portion 17 includes a door 13 pivotally connected theretofor accessing a cavity formed in lower housing portion 17 for retaininga battery (not shown) therein. It is contemplated that stapler 10 may bepowered by any number of power sources, such as, for example and withoutlimitation, a fuel cell, a power cord connected to an external powersource, and so forth.

Adapter assembly 14 includes a drive coupler 22 at a proximal endthereof and a loading unit coupler 15 at a distal end thereof. Distalhalf-section 20 a of upper housing portion 19 defines a nose orconnecting portion 11 configured to operably receive drive coupler 22 ofadapter assembly 14. Loading unit 16 includes an adapter coupler 27configured to operably receive loading unit coupler 15 of adapterassembly 14.

Upper housing portion 19 of handle housing 21 encloses a drive mechanism(not shown) configured to drive shafts and/or gear components (notshown) in order to perform the various operations of stapler 10. Inparticular, the drive mechanism is configured to drive shafts and/orgear components in order to selectively move a tool assembly or endeffector 23 of loading unit 16 relative to a proximal body portion 24 ofloading unit 16, to rotate loading unit 16 about a longitudinal axis“X-X” (FIG. 1) relative to handle housing 21, to move an anvil assembly25 relative to cartridge assembly 26 of loading unit 16, and/or to firea stapling and cutting cartridge within cartridge assembly 26 of loadingunit 16.

The loading unit 16 shown in the FIGS. 1-21 is a linear surgicalstapling loading unit. The loading unit includes a stapling anvil withrecesses for forming surgical staples that are driven against it byoperation of the loading unit in the surgical system. A staple cartridgehouses the surgical staples, as well as the staple firing and/or drivingassembly. The staple firing and/or driving assembly is known. One suchassembly is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,256,656 and 7,044,353, theentire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.The drive assembly includes an elongated drive beam having a knifeblade. The drive beam pushes an actuation sled having wedge shapedsurfaces for interacting with pushers. The pushers support the staplesand have camming surfaces that the sled wedge shaped surfaces slideagainst, driving the pushers upwardly while the sled is advanced in alongitudinal fashion through the staple cartridge.

It is contemplated that the loading unit has jaw members for supportingthe anvil and the staple cartridge respectively. The anvil jaw memberand staple cartridge jaw member can be approximated to clamp tissuetherebetween. It is also contemplated that the end effector canarticulate or pivot off axis from the longitudinal axis defined by theproximal body portion 24.

It is contemplated that the loading unit can be a circular surgicalstapling unit, other types of stapling units, or other types of surgicalend effectors, such as electrocautery, ablation, ultrasonic, etc.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, loading unit coupler 15 of adapterassembly 14 is configured to operably engage adapter coupler 27 ofloading unit 16 via a push and twist or bayonet-type arrangement.Adapter coupler 27 includes one or more bayonet lugs 28 that areconfigured to mate with corresponding one or more bayonet channels 29defined in a bayonet collar 48 provided by loading unit coupler 15 ofadapter assembly 14. A short link member 44 and a load link member 45are longitudinally disposed within adapter assembly 14 and areconfigured to translate longitudinally (e.g., distally and proximally)during operation of stapler 10. A cam 55 disposed at a distal end ofshort link member 44 is urged distally against a bayonet channel 29 byspring 49 a. To engage loading unit 16 with adapter assembly 14, adaptercoupler 27 of loading unit 16 is inserted into loading unit coupler 15of adapter assembly 14 and rotated. In turn, bayonet collar 48 rotatescooperatively with adapter coupler 27. As bayonet collar 48 rotates, cam55 rides off bayonet channel 29, causing short link member 44 totranslate distally, which, in turn, causes a switch tab 47 formed inshort link member 44 to actuate switch 46. Switch 46 is in operativeelectrical communication with the controller 21 a and is configured toconvey thereto the engagement status between loading unit 16 and adapterassembly 14.

Turning now to FIGS. 6-10, adapter coupler 27 of loading unit 16includes an authentication board assembly 30 that is configured to besecurely mounted within a recess 31 defined in adapter coupler 27.Authentication board assembly 30 is positioned within adapter coupler 27such that when loading unit 16 is secured to adapter assembly 14,authentication board assembly 30 engages an adapter board assembly 50mounted within loading unit coupler 15 of the adapter assembly (FIG.11). In more detail, authentication board 30 includes a circuit board37, a pair of contact members 40 a, 40 b (collectively, contact members40) and a chip 36. Circuit board 37 defines a substantially planarelongated member configured to be securely received within recess 31defined by adapter coupler 27. Chip 36 is in electrical communicationwith contact members 40. A distal end 37 a of circuit board 37 supportschip 36, and a proximal end 37 b of circuit board 37 supports contactmembers 40. Distal end 37 a of circuit board 37 includes an alignmentnotch 33 defined therein that is configured to engage a correspondingalignment nub 32 provided at a distal end of recess 31 to ensure secureand accurate positioning of authentication board assembly 30 withinadapter coupler 27.

Chip 36 includes any chip capable of storing the specifications ofloading unit 16, such as, without limitation, cartridge size, staplearrangement, staple length, clamp-up distance, date of manufacture,expiration date, compatibility characteristics, a unique identifier(e.g., a serial number), and/or number of uses, and transmitting thespecifications to handle assembly 12. In some embodiments, chip 36includes an erasable programmable read only memory (“EPROM”) chip. Inthis manner, the handle assembly 12 may adjust the firing forces, firingstroke, and/or other operational characteristics thereof in accordancewith the specifications of loading unit 16 that are transmitted fromchip 36. It is further envisioned that chip 36 may include writecapabilities which allow handle assembly 12 to communicate to chip 36that the associated loading unit 16 has been used, which can preventreloading or reuse of an expended reload assembly, or any otherunauthorized use.

In some embodiments, chip 36 includes a secure authentication chip, suchas, without limitation, a DS28E15 DeepCover™ Secure Authenticator with1-Wire SHA-256 and 512-Bit User EEPROM, manufactured by MaximIntegrated™ of San Jose, Calif. In these embodiments, the contents ofchip 36, and the communications between chip 36 and handle assembly 12,are encrypted to prevent unauthorized access. In this manner, the use oflow-quality counterfeit, re-manufactured, or “knock-off” loading unitsis effectively discouraged, which, in turn, reduces risk to patients byensuring that only fresh, authentic loading units 16 are used duringsurgical procedures. In addition, the likelihood that medical facilitiesand/or surgeons may unwittingly use counterfeit loading units is greatlycurtailed, thus reducing the overall costs to society for deliveringmedical services. In some embodiments, chip 36 utilizes a “1-wire”communications interface whereby a single signal conductor is employed,together with a ground conductor, for bidirectional serialcommunications between chip 36 and handle assembly 12.

Contact assembly 38 (FIGS. 9, 10) includes a short contact arm 41 and along contact arm 42 joined by a contact base 59, and having a generallyelongated u-shaped configuration. Short contact arm 41 includes a firstcontact member 40 a orthogonally disposed and fixed to an upper portionof a proximal end thereof. Long contact arm 42 includes a second contactmember 40 b orthogonally disposed and fixed to an upper portion of aproximal end thereof. Short and long contact arms 41, 42 each include asolder tab 39 orthogonally disposed and fixed to a lower portion of adistal end thereof. Solder tabs 39 are electromechanically joined to aproximal end 37 b of circuit board 37 by, e.g., soldering, electricallyconductive adhesive, and/or other suitable technique.

Adapter coupler 27 includes a raised contact support 34 extendingradially from a proximal end thereof and includes a pair of cradles 35a, 35 b defined therein that are configured to receive first contactmember 40 a and second contact member 40 b, respectively, whenauthentication board assembly 30 is positioned within recess 31 ofadapter coupler 27. A cover 43 is configured to enclose and retainauthentication board assembly 30 within recess 31 of adapter coupler 27(FIGS. 7 and 8).

In some embodiments, short contact arm 41 and first contact member 40 aare electrically insulated from long contact arm 42 and second contactmember 40 b by contact base 59. In these embodiments, each of shortcontact arm 41 and long contact arm 42 carries a separate circuit, e.g.,short contact arm 41 carries signal and long contact arm 42 carriesground. In other embodiments, short contact arm 41 and first contactmember 40 a are electrically joined with long contact arm 42 and secondcontact member 40 b. In these embodiments, short contact arm 41 and longcontact arm 42 operate in a bifurcated or redundant mode to carry asignal circuit, while the ground circuit is carried through otherelectrically conductive components of loading unit 16, adapter unit 14,and/or handle assembly 12.

As mentioned above, authentication board assembly 30 is configured toengage adapter board assembly 50 mounted within loading unit coupler 15when loading unit 16 is secured to adapter assembly 14. With referencenow to FIGS. 11-14, loading unit coupler 15 includes an adapter boardassembly 50 that is configured to be floatingly mounted within a pocket60 defined in loading unit coupler 15. Adapter board assembly 50 ispositioned within loading unit coupler 15 such that when loading unit 16is secured to adapter assembly 14, adapter board assembly 50 engagesauthentication board assembly 30.

Adapter board assembly 50 includes a circuit board 51 having a pair ofcontact members 55 a, 55 b (collectively, contact members 55) fixedthereto and in operable communication with handle assembly 12. In theillustrated embodiment, contact members 55 a, 55 b are arranged foreffective engagement in a transverse direction, e.g., transverse to thelongitudinal axis “X-X” of stapler 10, to accommodate the rotationalcoupling of loading unit 16 and adapter assembly 14 as described herein.

Circuit board 51 includes an upper surface 51 a, a lower surface 51 b, aproximal end 51 c, and a distal end 51 d. Circuit board 51 defines asubstantially planar elongated member configured to be resiliently orfloatingly received within pocket 60 defined by loading unit coupler 15.A spring clip 52 is fixed to a proximal end 51 c of circuit board 51 andis configured to support adapter board assembly 50 within pocket 60.Spring clip 52 includes a pair of spring supports 54 having a wing-likeconfiguration that are configured prevent spring clip 52 fromover-extension and to provide stiffness thereto. Adapter board assembly50 includes a spring 53 having a broad, curvate u-shaped profiledisposed on an upper surface 51 a of circuit board 51. In someembodiments, spring clip 52 and spring 53 may be integrally formed.Spring clip 52 and/or spring 53 may be positively aligned and/orsupported by a notch 62 defined in proximal end 51 c of circuit board51. Circuit board 51 includes one or more through holes 56 definedtherein that may be utilized to form a conductive pathway between uppersurface 51 a and lower surface 51 b of circuit board 51.

When adapter board assembly 50 is mounted within pocket 60, spring 53bears against outer tube 57 of adapter assembly 14 (FIGS. 15, 16). Inuse, adapter board 50 is spring-biased towards authentication boardassembly 30 by spring 53 and by side spring clip 52 such that, uponjoining loading unit 16 and adapter assembly 14, any manufacturingtolerances between loading unit 16 and adapter assembly 14 arecompensated for by engagement of the floating spring mount of adapterboard 50 within pocket 60. Alternative methods of biasing in addition tothe spring 53 are contemplated. In this manner, a reliable connectionbetween contact members 55 of adapter board 50 and contact members 40 ofauthentication board assembly 30 is consistently achieved, thusproviding a robust communication link between chip 36 and handleassembly 12. In embodiments, contact assembly 38, contacts 40, and/orcontacts 55 are formed at least in part from electrically conductivematerial, such as, without limitation, beryllium copper.

Turning now to FIGS. 15-21, the interaction between adapter boardassembly 50 and authentication board assembly 30 is shown. As seen inFIGS. 15, 16, and 19, adapter board 50 is retained within loading unitadapter 15 by spring clip 52. Spring 53 bears against outer tube 57 tobias adapter board 50 inwardly towards bore 61, such that contactmembers 55 extend into bore 61. As adapter coupler 27 is inserted fullyinto bore 61 of loading unit adapter 15, the initial rotationalorientation of adapter coupler 27 and loading unit coupler 15 is suchthat contact members 40 of authentication board 30 and contact members55 of adapter board 50 are roughly 45° apart (FIG. 20). As loading unit16 is rotated with respect to adapter assembly 14, contact members 40 ofauthentication board 30 are brought into engagement with contact members55 of adapter board 50. Advantageously, contact support 34 of adaptercoupler 27 of loading unit 16 provides radial support to contact members30 as they engage mating contact members 55 of adapter board 50. Inaddition, spring 53 bears against outer tube 57 which enables adapterboard 50 to float with respect to authentication board 30 and loadingunit coupler 15, thereby compensating for manufacturing variationsbetween the various components and providing a reliable connectionbetween authentication board 30 and adapter board 50.

It is contemplated that a loading unit like loading unit 16 could have aremovable and replaceable staple cartridge assembly. A stapling systemis shown in FIGS. 22-57, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, having a powered handle assembly 112 similar to the handleassembly 12 discussed above. The handle assembly is configured asdiscussed above and has a controller 121 a. The stapling system includesan adapter assembly 114 and a loading unit 116, each of which can beconfigured as discussed above. The loading unit is a linear staplingloading unit, but other types of loading units are contemplated. Theloading unit 116 has a drive assembly for firing staples into tissueclamped between the anvil jaw member 111 and staple cartridge jaw member113, as discussed above.

Supported in the staple cartridge jaw member 113 is a removable andreplaceable staple cartridge assembly 115. A removable and replaceablestaple cartridge assembly is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/280,880, filed Oct. 25, 2011, and published as US 2013-0098965A1, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

Loading unit 116 of the present disclosure is configured to be used morethan once. In particular, the loading unit has the removable staplecartridge assembly 115 that includes the staple cartridge and driveassembly discussed above. The removable assembly 116 is configured to beremoved and replaced (e.g., after firing staples or other surgicalfasteners therefrom). The loading unit 116 shown includes a proximalbody portion 118 that is attachable to the adapter assembly 114.However, the features of the loading units of the present disclosure canbe incorporated in a surgical instrument in which does not include adetachable portion of the elongated portion of the instrument.

Loading unit 500 includes a proximal body portion 118 defining alongitudinal axis “A-A”. Jaw members include an anvil jaw member 111 anda cartridge jaw member 113. One of the jaw members is pivotal inrelation to the other to enable the clamping of tissue between the jawmembers. In the illustrated embodiments, the cartridge jaw member 113 ispivotal in relation to the anvil jaw member and is movable between anopen or unclamped position and a closed or approximated position.However, the anvil jaw member, or both the cartridge and anvil jawmember, can be movable. As discussed in connection with FIGS. 1-21, theanvil jaw member includes an anvil having a plurality of staple formingdepressions.

The cartridge jaw member 113 includes a channel or carrier 120 whichreceives and supports the staple cartridge assembly 115. The cartridgeassembly has a cartridge body 140 and a support plate 111. The cartridgebody and support plate are attached to the channel or carrier 120 by asnap-fit connection, as discussed below, a detent, latch, or by anothertype of connection. The cartridge assembly includes fasteners or staples141. Cartridge body 140 defines a plurality of laterally spaced stapleretention slots 142, which are configured as openings (see FIG. 32).Each slot is configured to receive a fastener or staple therein.Cartridge assembly also defines a plurality of cam wedge slots whichaccommodate staple pushers 146 and which are open on the bottom to allowthe actuation sled 148 to pass longitudinally therethrough in the firingof the staples as discussed above.

The removable staple cartridge assembly 115 includes cartridge body 140and support plate 111. The removable assembly 115 is removable fromchannel 120, e.g., after staples have been fired from the cartridge body140. Another removable and replaceable staple cartridge assembly iscapable of being loaded into the channel, such that the loading unit 116can be actuated again to fire additional fasteners or staples.

Channel 120 includes one or a pair of engagement structures 120 a (suchas slots) for engaging the staple cartridge assembly and support plate(see FIG. 39), a central slot for the passage of the drive beam, a pairof proximal holes 150 for connection with the anvil jaw member, and aramped surface 152. Proximal holes 150 are configured to alignwith/mechanically engage a pair of corresponding holes or features onthe anvil jaw member. The jaw members can be connected by pins, forexample, to facilitate a pivotal relationship between anvil jaw member111 and cartridge jaw member 113.

The cartridge body 140 includes a central slot 143, and rows of stapleretention slots positioned on each side of slot 143 (see FIG. 32).Cartridge body also includes a pair of engagement structures orprotrusions which may, in certain embodiments, be slots or openingsadjacent its proximal end for connection with the support plate 111 aand/or channel 120.

With particular reference to FIG. 29, support plate 111 a includes abase 145, engagement features 147 and 147 a (see FIG. 38) for connectionwith the cartridge body and/or channel, and a mounting portion 149 at aproximal end thereof (see FIG. 29). The support plate 111 a is disposedunderneath the cartridge body to support the staple pushers, actuationsled, and staples (or other surgical fasteners) and prevent thosecomponents from falling out of the staple cartridge assembly.

The loading unit can include a chip assembly 360 mounted on a proximalend of the proximal body portion 118, as shown in FIGS. 41-45, forexample. The chip assembly is as described above in connection with theauthentication board assembly 30 discussed above. The chip assembly 360is mounted for connection with a board assembly in a coupler on thedistal end of the adapter assembly 114, and can be configured asdiscussed above in connection with FIGS. 1-21. The chip assembly 360includes a chip 361 for authentication and information purposes, and caninclude a memory that stores certain information. The information caninclude the type of device the loading unit is, the version of thedevice/loading unit, the name of the loading unit, the manufacturing lotnumber, the serial or other identification number, the maximum force towhich the drive beam of the loading unit can be driven, the interlockzone (mm), the end zone (mm), whether or not the loading unit canarticulate, and/or a usage limit (the number of times the loading unitcan be used). The interlock zone is the position of the drive beam, inmillimeters, measured from the start or initial position of the drivebeam, when the drive beam is engaged by a lockout in the loading unit.An example of a lockout is discussed below. The end zone is the positionof the drive beam, in millimeters, measured from the start or initialposition of the drive beam, when the drive beam has reached the end ofits travel in the staple cartridge body 140. Since the staple cartridgeassembly 115 can be removed and replaced, there is an intended limit tothe number of times the loading unit can be reloaded with a freshunfired staple cartridge. The information stored on the chip can includethe staple line length and/or length of the staple cartridge.

The controller 121 a in the handle assembly 112 can be programmed toread the information on the chip 361 or receive instructions from othercontrollers as a function of information stored in chip 361. Thisinformation is used in the operation of the surgical system. Desirably,some or all of the information is encrypted, which can be accomplishedas discussed above in connection with FIGS. 1-21. The controller can beprogrammed to not provide power to a motor (not shown) disposed in thehandle assembly 112, and not operate the adapter assembly and loadingunit, in the event that the serial number or other data is notrecognized. Varying levels of function can be enabled or disabled basedon the authentication status of any system chip (including but notlimited to chip 361). For example, a system which does not successfullyauthenticate may be set to allow the stapling reload to clamp,articulate, and rotate at a reduce speed, but not fire. The maximumforce information is used in conjunction with a load sensor, such as astrain gauge, disposed in the surgical system. For example, a loadsensor can be disposed in the adapter assembly 114 and/or loading unit,such as a load sensor on the drive beam. The controller is programmed tocompare the data from the load sensor to the maximum force data storedon the chip so that, for example, the operation of the motor (not shown)is interrupted or altered before the maximum force is exceeded. Inanother example, the controller can be programmed to operate in “slowmode” if the measured force reaches a predetermined level or when anyother triggering metric is satisfied. The predetermined level of forcecan be the maximum force discussed above, or another level of force,stored on a chip in the system, such as chip 361. Slow mode means thatthe controller operates the motor (not shown) at a slower rate, and alsodelaying the compression of tissue and/or firing of staples. In thicktissue, slow mode can allow fluid in the tissue to move away from thesite of stapling, facilitating more compression of the tissue.Alternative methods of load detection can be used, such as sensingchanges in tissue thickness, rate of change in thickness or compression,monitoring the current draw in the motor of the handle assembly, thevelocity of the movement of the drive assembly, etc.

It is contemplated that the controller can have a feedback loop that isused to determine how the motor in the handle assembly should beoperated. The controller can be programmed to compare a profile of forceover time, or load over time. The operation of the motor (not shown) isinterrupted or altered if the pattern of force or load is not as wouldbe expected for the particular loading unit, or before somepredetermined maximum or other limit is reached. The controller can alsobe programmed to operate in “slow mode” as discussed above, based on theprofile.

In a similar manner, the operation of the motor can be stopped oroperated in slow mode if the drive beam is disposed in the interlockzone, end zone, or other areas of specific interest. Furthermore, thecontroller can interrupt or prevent the operation of the articulationlinkage, bar or cable if the data on chip 361 indicated that the loadingunit does not articulate. Similarly, the controller can interrupt oralter the characteristics of system rotation if the data on chip 361indicated that the loading unit is of a specific type.

It is contemplated that the chip 361 with some or all of the datadiscussed above can be provided in any of the embodiments disclosedherein, including loading units that do not have a removable andreplaceable staple cartridge assembly, and/or loading units that do notarticulate.

It is contemplated that the information on chip 361 can be read by thecontroller in the handle assembly, another chip in the system, or anyother computer component in the surgical system.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the controller can writeinformation to the chip on the loading unit. For example, the maximumforce that was used to clamp onto tissue, as measured by the load sensordiscussed above, the maximum force that was used to fire staples, and/orthe position of the drive beam when the drive beam stops advancing, etc.Other information that can be written to the chip 361 includes thelocation of the drive beam when the device entered into slow mode, thenumber of times the loading unit has been fired, whether the loadingunit has been fired, the type of handle assembly, the serial number ofthe handle assembly, the type of adapter assembly, the date and time ofkey events, the orientation of components of the surgical system,temperature, and/or the serial number of the adapter assembly. Themaximum force to fire staples can be saved along with the position ofthe drive beam, in any of the embodiments disclosed herein. Theinformation can also be saved in memory connected to the controller inthe handle assembly, other chip(s) in the system, or other computercomponents of the surgical system.

It is also envisioned, in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, thatan end effector or tool assembly is arranged for articulating between afirst position where tool assembly is aligned with longitudinal axis“Y-Y,” and a second position where tool assembly is disposed at an anglewith respect to longitudinal axis “Y-Y.” For example, the tool assembly,which includes the anvil jaw member and the cartridge jaw member, may bemounted so as to be pivotable with respect to the proximal body portion118. The anvil jaw member and cartridge jaw member can be attached to amounting assembly 2020 (discussed further below), and the mountingassembly can be pivotably connected to the proximal body portion 118.The loading unit 116 includes one or more cables or linkages disposed inthe proximal body portion so that when the cable or linkage isdisplaced, the tool assembly pivots and articulates with respect to theinstrument. Further details of providing articulation are described indetail in commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,139 to Milliman et al., thecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety. The adapter assembly 114 can include a linkage, bar or cablefor enabling the articulation of the tool assembly.

As seen in FIG. 32, for example, any of the embodiments disclosed hereincan include a cartridge body 140 having a stepped tissue-contactingsurface 1412. In such embodiments, different sized staples, or all thesame sized staples, may be used. Further details of a staple cartridgehaving multiple staple sizes are included in U.S. Pat. No. 7,407,075 toHolsten et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference herein. The staple forming recesses of the anvil, or thestaple pushers, or both, can be configured accordingly, to form thestaples in the desired shape and size.

The removable and replaceable staple cartridge assembly 115 can furtherinclude a chip assembly 362. (see FIGS. 27 and 28). A correspondingboard assembly 380 (FIGS. 25 and 26) is disposed on the tool assembly ofthe loading unit 116, and may be disposed on the channel 120. The toolassembly board assembly 380 can be configured as discussed above inconnection with the adapter board assembly 50 of the adapter coupler 27.The tool assembly board assembly 380 is configured to be securelymounted on a wall of the channel 120. This board assembly 380 ispositioned such that when cartridge assembly 140 is secured to thechannel 120 of the loading unit, the chip assembly 362 engages the boardassembly 380 mounted on the channel. (See FIGS. 29-31). FIGS. 27 and 28show the relationship between the chip assembly and the staple cartridgebody 140, whereas FIG. 29 shows the relationship between the chipassembly 362 and the support plate 111 a.

In more detail, chip assembly includes a body 337 and a pair of contactmembers 340 a, 340 b (collectively, contact members 340) connected to achip 336 disposed in the body. Body 337 defines a rectangular memberhaving flexible arms with snap features 337 a thereon. The flexible armsare configured to be securely received within a recess 331 defined by inthe cartridge body. Chip 336 is in electrical communication with contactmembers 340.

Chip 336 includes any chip capable of storing information concerning thestaple cartridge assembly 115. The chip can be the same as or similar tothe chip of authentication board assembly 30. In any of the embodimentsdisclosed herein, any of the chips can store information such as,without limitation, cartridge size, staple arrangement, staple linelength (or cartridge length), date of manufacture, expiration date,compatibility characteristics, a unique identifier (e.g., a serialnumber), and/or number of uses, as well as whether or not the staplecartridge assembly has been used. Such information can be transmitted tothe controller in the handle assembly 112, or to another computercomponent through an appropriate bus, pin connection, wireless means,etc. In some embodiments, chip 336 includes an erasable programmableread only memory (“EPROM”) chip. The controller in the handle assemblycan write information to the chip 336. In this manner, the handleassembly 112 may adjust the firing forces, firing stroke, and/or otheroperational characteristics thereof in accordance with the informationconcerning the staple cartridge assembly that are transmitted from chip336. The handle assembly 112 can communicate to chip 336 that the staplecartridge assembly has been used, which can prevent reloading or reuseof an expended reload assembly, or any other unauthorized use. Theinformation stored in any of the components in the surgical system canbe encrypted or obscured using private key encryption, public keyencryption, and/or secure hash algorithms.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the information stored on achip of a component in the surgical system can include the type ofcomponent, the reorder code, the serial number, the identification code,the lot number, the compatibility with the system, the expiration date,the manufacture date, the date of programming, the design version, thebill of materials, surgeon preferences, performance characteristics,and/or the branding for the component. For example, such information canbe stored on chip 361 or chip 336. It is contemplated that specializedor customized loading units may be produced, based on surgeonpreference, and/or loading units that are operated in a “slow mode” or“fast mode”, based on information stored in a chip or chips in theloading unit, staple cartridge assembly, etc.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, a removable and replaceablestaple cartridge assembly, the loading unit, and/or the controller caninclude a chip or memory storing information concerning articulation ofthe tool assembly. The surgical system includes certain sensors and/orencoders, such as Hall effect sensors, radial encoders, linear encoders,potentiometers, accelerometers, force transducers, etc., that candetermine the position of the drive assembly in the loading unit, and/orcorresponding components in the adapter assembly. For example, the toolassembly includes an articulation linkage that actuates the articulationof the tool assembly. The controller can monitor the position of thelinkage via the sensors or encoders, and determine the extent to whichthe tool assembly has been articulated. Furthermore, the number of timesthe tool assembly was articulated can be stored in a chip or memory ofthe staple cartridge assembly, adapter, controller, or other computercomponent. Information about the position of the linkage when the toolassembly has reached a fully articulated position can be stored.

The board assembly 380 (see FIGS. 25 and 26) also has a pair of contacts380 a and 380 b and a body 381. The board assembly is mounted forcontact with the chip assembly 362 when the staple cartridge assembly isproperly mounted in the channel 120. The contacts 380 a, 380 b, 340 a,and 340 b have an L-shaped configuration as seen in the figures so thatthey may resiliently engage one another. The body 381 can define a snapfeature 382 that is provided to engage a hole 383 in the channel tosecurely mount the board assembly. The board assembly is appropriatelyconnected to a bus, wires, or has a wireless communicator fortransmittal of the information from chip assembly 362 to the controllerin the handle assembly, and from the controller to the chip assembly, orto and from any other computer device.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, a lockout mechanism 500 isdisposed in the loading unit. The loading unit may be configured asdiscussed above. Furthermore, the present disclosure is directed to aremovable assembly having the lockout, or a loading unit having thelockout.

The lockout mechanism 500 includes a latch 2010 and at least one spring2030, and is configured to prevent re-firing of a staple cartridgeassembly 115 or staple cartridge 26, and also prevent distal translationof a drive beam after the staple cartridge has been fired and prior toloading of another cartridge assembly 115. The lockout mechanism 500 isshown alongside the sled 148 and mounting assembly 2020 in FIG. 50. Theat least one spring 2030 is mounted on a distally facing surface 2031.For example, recesses are formed in surface 2031 for receiving springs2030. Corresponding posts are provided on a proximally facing surface ofthe latch 2010. The latch is configured to be pivotable within theloading unit, and includes at least one prong 2012, a rear portion 2014,and a supporting portion 2016. The latch is configured to pivot aroundthe supporting portion 2016, shown in FIGS. 50 and 51 as two downwardlydepending features, and is biased by the spring or springs 2030. Thesled 148 has a hole or recess for receiving the at least one prong 2012when the latch and drive beam are in their initial positions. (see FIG.52). The drive beam 2039 can interact with, or include, a dynamicclamping member 2040 having an upper flange 2042, lower flange 2044, andknife blade 2046. (see FIG. 53).

In the initial position, the latch 2010 is biased in a forward or distaldirection, with the rear portion 2014 in contact with an edge 2039 a onthe drive beam 2039, preventing further rotational movement of thelatch. As the drive beam and dynamic clamping member are moved in aforward or distal direction, the dynamic clamping member pushes the sleddistally. A rear portion 148 a of the sled pushes the prong or prongs2012, tilting the latch against the bias of the at least one spring2030. This removes the rear portion 2014 from the area near the edge2039 a, and allows the drive beam and dynamic clamping member to moveforward. After the dynamic clamping member passes the latch 2010, thelatch rotates forwardly under the influence of the spring. (see FIG.57).

After the dynamic clamping member and sled have fired the staples fromthe cartridge 140, the dynamic clamping member is moved proximally,leaving the sled at the distal end of the cartridge 140 and cartridgeassembly 115. The dynamic clamping member can move past the latch 2010,as cam surface 2041 moves the latch out of the path of travel (see FIG.57). Once the dynamic clamping member returns to the initial position,the latch 2010 will prevent another forward movement of the dynamicclamping member 2040. The latch rear portion 2014 is in a position toengage another edge 2039 b of the drive beam. (see FIG. 57). If theloading unit is of the type that accepts removable and replaceablestaple cartridge assemblies 115, the cartridge assembly 115 can beconfigured to return the latch 2010 to the initial position, so that thedrive beam and dynamic clamping member can again be moved distally tofire another set of staples.

As discussed above, any of the embodiments disclosed herein can includea chip assembly 360 on a surgical stapling loading unit, like loadingunit 116, that has information on it concerning the lockout mechanism,such as the lockout mechanism discussed above. Furthermore, informationcan be stored on the chip 361 concerning the lockout mechanism. Forexample, the fact that the lockout mechanism was engaged can be recordedin chip assembly 360 and/or chip assembly 362 by the controller in thehandle. The controller in the handle can include a memory for storinginformation, including a processor, and other computer components. Thecontroller can also include a current meter, or ammeter, to measure thecurrent in the motor of the handle assembly. The controller can beprogrammed to record the peak current reached during use of the loadingunit and/or staple cartridge assembly, and can record that peak currenton any of the chips or other computer components in the system. A peakcurrent reached after the staples have been fired can be an indicationthat the loading unit was attempted to be fired a second time before afresh staple cartridge assembly was mounted in the loading unit.Alternatively, the lockout mechanism can include a sensor such as, forexample, on the latch. It is contemplated that the surgical system caninclude loading units that do not have a lockout mechanism like the onediscussed above. The fact that the loading unit does not have a lockoutmechanism can be stored in chip 361.

One of the types of encoders that can be included is one in the handleassembly. An encoder can be provided that determines how many rotationsof the motor output shaft, or any other part of the system, have beenmade, and that can be used to determine a position of drive bars,linkages, cables, etc., in the adapter assembly, the firing bar in theloading unit, or other components. Alternatively, other sensors can beused to determine the position of various components in the surgicalsystem.

The adapter assembly disclosed herein, in any of the embodimentsdisclosed herein, can be configured as disclosed in U.S. PublishedApplication No. 2011/0174099 A1, the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein. The motor in the handleassembly provides a rotational output on a rotating shaft and theadapter is configured to transform that output to a linearly movinglinkage or bar, and can also provide drive to an articulation linkage inthe proximal body portion 118 of the loading unit 116. The handleassembly and/or adapter assembly can be configured as disclosed in U.S.Published Application Nos. 2014/0012289 A1 and 2014/0110453 A1, theentire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

In the surgical system, the loading units can be different types ofsurgical stapling loading units, with corresponding adapters foradapting the output of the motor in the handle to the particular loadingunit. For example, one type of loading unit is a circular staplingloading unit 2201. See FIG. 58. In contrast to the loading unit 116discussed above, the anvil 2203 of the loading unit 2201 moves towardand away from a staple cartridge assembly 2205 while maintaining thetissue contacting surfaces thereof in a parallel relationship. A rod isadvanced and retracted to accomplish the movement of the anvil 2203. Aseparate actuator is present to accomplish the firing of staples andcutting of tissue. By contrast, the dynamic clamping member discussedabove accomplishes the clamping of the tool assembly onto tissue, andalso the firing of staples. An appropriate adapter (not shown) isprovided so that the loading unit 2201 can be used with a handleassembly like handle assembly 112 discussed above. The adapter has ashaft 2206 which may be curved, and cables, linkages, and/or bars, orcombinations thereof, to space the anvil 2203 from the staple cartridgecomponent 2205 so that the surgeon can dispose tubular sections oftissue around the anvil and cartridge component/assembly. As is wellknown, the anvil can be approximated with the cartridge assembly andstaples can be fired through the tissue. Subsequently, a circular knifecuts the tissue inwardly of the staple line.

For example, the loading unit 2201 can have a passage 2207 for a rodthat connects to the actuator in the adapter, the actuator in theadapter (e.g., linkage, cable, rod, etc.) is driven by the powered(e.g., motorized) output of the handle assembly. See FIG. 60. It is therod that moves the anvil 2203 as discussed above. The loading unit alsohas, as shown in FIG. 60, a space 2209 for receipt of a staple cartridgeassembly or, alternatively the loading unit can have a staple cartridgethat is permanently attached. The loading unit 2201 further has a staplepusher for firing staples and a knife for cutting tissue.

Accordingly, it may be desirable to use the controller of the surgicalsystem to change the functionality of the various actuators on thehandle assembly. For example, handle assembly 112 can have push buttons,rocker switches, touch screen features, and/or actuators of another type(generally called herein “buttons”). At least four such buttons areprovided to: initiate articulation of an articulating loading unit, likeloading unit 116; initiate the clamping of tissue, initiate the firingof staples; and initiate the cutting of tissue. In certain embodiments,there is a first button for articulation, and a second button forclamping and firing. A controller is provided, preferably in a powered(e.g., motorized) handle assembly, to change the function of the secondbutton to clamping, firing and cutting when there is a linear surgicalstapling reload like loading unit 16 or loading unit 116. The controllercan be programmed to also change the function of the second actuator toclamping, allow use of the third actuator to initiate firing, and allowuse of the fourth actuator to initiate cutting if the loading unit is acircular stapling loading unit like unit 2201. In certain embodiments,the controller is programmed to allow or prevent use of a button forinitiating articulation of a tool assembly of a linear stapling loadingunit, like loading unit 16 discussed above. In any of the embodimentsdisclosed herein, a controller of a handle assembly (or anothercomponent of the surgical system) can be programmed to change thefunction of one or more buttons, allow use of a button for a function,and/or prevent use of a button for a function.

The circular stapling loading unit 2201 can include, as seen in FIG. 59,a chip assembly 2220 having a chip 2221, which may be as described abovein connection with FIGS. 1 through 57. In addition, in certainembodiments, the unit 2201 has a removable and replaceable cartridgeassembly (not shown) having its own chip assembly and chip.

It is desirable that the controller programming and/or memory includesinformation concerning the potential end stops, or other importantlocations, for the potential loading units. For example, the linearstapling loading units may be 30 mm, 45 mm and/or 60 mm staple lineunits, so that the controller can be programmed to store informationabout the forces detected in various sensors and/or encoders when thedrive assembly is at those locations. It is contemplated that anylocation for a movable part in the system that is of interest can beused, in any of the embodiments disclosed herein. If the appropriatesensors are provided on the particular loading unit, such as a pulseoximeter, temperature meter, etc., information concerning the conditionof the tissue and/or surrounding site can be stored by the controller,the chips in the various components, and/or other computer components.Because there are various types of surgical loading units that arecontemplated, such as stapling, electrosurgical, etc., and they can beprovided in various configurations, such as different staple linelengths or diameters, staple sizes, levels of energy, etc., it iscontemplated that there is a current profile associated with each. Forexample, the current read by a current meter or ammeter in the handleassembly during use of the loading unit over time can be read and saved.It is contemplated that the controller saves this current profile alongwith the identification code and type of loading unit, for example. Thisinformation can be compared with a known current profile by thecontroller, or another component in the surgical system. Inferences maybe made concerning the firing of staples, the condition of tissue, thecondition of the loading unit or other components in the system thatwere used, thick tissue, etc. In any of the embodiments disclosedherein, a current profile can be used and/or stored in the system asdiscussed above. For example, FIG. 61 illustrates a graphicalrepresentation of such a profile. The current begins to be limited at“A”; as the mechanical load increases RPM decreases. Once RPM decreasesbelow a set limit, “Y”, the device switches into a second mode. Thismode increases the current limit to “B” and changes the desired RPM from“X” to “Z”. This RPM change provides visual and audible feedback to theuser.

Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure havebeen described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it isto be understood that the disclosure is not limited to those preciseembodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may beeffected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from thescope or spirit of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical system, comprising: a handle assemblyhaving a controller, the controller having at least one program and amemory; an adapter assembly extending from the handle assembly; and aloading unit releasably secured to the adapter assembly, the loadingunit having a tool assembly mounted for articulation and a member foractuating articulation of the tool assembly, the tool assembly includinga removable and replaceable staple cartridge assembly, the loading unithaving at least one chip assembly disposed within the staple cartridgeassembly, the chip assembly having a chip storing data indicating aposition of the member when the tool assembly is in a fully articulatedposition, wherein the chip receives information from the controller. 2.The surgical system according to claim 1, wherein the chip has dataindicating a type of loading unit, the memory of the controller having acurrent profile for the type of loading unit.
 3. The surgical systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the chip stores data indicating a lengthof the tool assembly.
 4. The surgical system according to claim 1,wherein the controller monitors current from a motor during operation ofthe loading unit.
 5. The surgical system according to claim 1, whereinthe removable and replaceable staple cartridge assembly has a chipassembly including a chip storing data indicating whether or not thestaple cartridge assembly has been fired.
 6. The surgical systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the controller monitors the position ofthe member and stores data concerning movement of the member in thememory.
 7. The surgical system according to claim 6, wherein the numberof times the tool assembly has been articulated is saved in the memory.8. The surgical system according to claim 6, wherein the memory has dataindicating the position of the member when the tool assembly is in afully articulated position.
 9. A surgical system, comprising: a handleassembly having a controller, the controller having a memory and atleast one program, the memory of the controller storing a plurality ofcurrent profiles; an adapter assembly extending from the handleassembly; and a loading unit releasably securable to the adapterassembly, the loading unit having a tool assembly including a removableand replaceable staple cartridge assembly, the removable and replaceablestaple cartridge assembly including a chip, wherein the controller isconfigured to read a type of staple cartridge assembly from the chip andselect a current profile from the plurality of current profiles storedin the controller, wherein the controller writes information to thechip.
 10. The surgical system according to claim 9, wherein thecontroller stores information from sensors, encoders, or both.
 11. Thesurgical system according to claim 10, wherein the controller comparesthe current profile to information from the sensors, encoders, or both.12. The surgical system according to claim 9, wherein the chip storesdata indicating whether or not the removable and replaceable staplecartridge assembly has been fired.
 13. The surgical system according toclaim 9, wherein the chip stores data indicating the length of theremovable and replaceable staple cartridge assembly.
 14. The surgicalsystem according to claim 9, wherein the chip stores data indicating thestaple configuration of the removable and replaceable staple cartridgeassembly.